Lake Inawashiro is so grand that people visiting for the first time may think it is a sea. Its scenery changes with the seasons, and you are sure to find an unforgettable stunning view here. Mt. Bandai is reflected on the surface of the lake, and the water quality is so good and clear that it is called "Tenkyoko", literally "a lake like a mirror that reflects the heavens". The quality of water is known to be safe to swim in, and there are many natural attractions like water activities, camping and marine sports by the banks in summer. In winter, around 2000 migratory swans will migrate over from Siberia, and you can even catch the natural form of art, "Shibuki Go-ri". Lake Inawashiro receives many visitors throughout the year, and is an excellent place with a balance of tranquility and hustle and bustle. Kohan is home to artwork, cafes, hot springs, ranches and a whole variety of attractions you can relax your body and soul. There are also cultural properties such as statues of Gods and the Buddha to lure you into the world of history.

Overview of INAWASHIROKO

Located near the center of Fukushima, Lake Inawashiro spreads from Koriyama, Aizu Wakamatsu and Inawashiro-machi. It has the 4th largest surface area in Japan, coming behind Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture), Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture) and Lake Saroma (Hokkaido), and is the 1st in the Tohoku area. It is situated 514m above sea level, which is highly rare in Japan, and belongs to Bandai Asahi Public Park. Its rich water supply is used for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation, as well as tap water, and is an valuable water source. Also, it is one of the few lakes in Japan where you are able to swim in it, and many water activities are held by the shore of the lake.

Area：

103.3k㎡

Max. depth：

93.5m

Circumference：

50㎞

Average depth：

51.5m

Surface elevation：

514m

Location：

Koriyama city /Aizuwakamatsu city /Inawashiro-machi

The best water quality in Japan

Lake Inawashiro is a huge freshwater lake that spreads out to reach Koriyama, Aizu Wakamatsu and Inawashiro-cho, and is formed by the merging of 21 small rivers.Out of all these rivers, the longest river, Nagase River has plenty of iron and aluminium content dissolved in it, resulting in its acidity that will purify impurities in the water. This is one of the reasons why Lake Inawashiro is one of the few lakes in Japan to maintain its very clear water, and why it is called "Tenkyo Lake" (Heaven's mirror). Although it was awarded "Best water quality in Japan" 4 years in a row from 2002-2005, recently, the quality of the water has deteriorated, due to it being used for recreational activities. However, events to maintain the high quality of water and protect the environment have been rising in popularity, and the residents will always try to protect the beautiful Lake Inawashiro.

History of ASAKASOSUI

Lake Inawashiro which is located to the West of Koriyama, can be said to be a "motherly lake". This is because the residents in Koriyama mainly draw the water needed for daily life from this lake. The opening of Asakasosui helped Asakagenya in Koriyama that had a poor water supply and dry land draw its water from Lake Inawashiro which was located far away, and was the first governmental project to improve the agricultural water supply. (*Sosui refers to the converting of land to a pathway for water, to accelerate the irrigation process and transportation over water.) The excavation of Asakasosui was directed by Van Doorn, a Dutch who came to Japan as an civil engineer, and the project cost 407,000yen (40 billion yen today) and involved 850,000 workers. Thus, the 127km long Asakasosui was completed 3 years from the start of the project in 1879. After the completion of the canal, water from Lake Inawashiro was drawn to irrigate rice paddies, transforming Asakagenya into one of the few rice-growing places in Japan. Furthermore, due to it being elevated above sea level, electricity generated by hydroelectric power has helped the silk reeling industry flourish, allowing Koriyama to claim its title as an "economic prefectural capital". Currently, Koriyama is the 2nd core city of the Tohoku area, boasting a population of 330,000 people. This is definitely due to the rich water supply from Lake Inawashiro. Lake Inawashiro has always, and will continue to be a motherly presence to Koriyama.

About designing your own travel plan

You can design your own travel route based on the recommended routes and sightseeing spots here. Just by adding the places you would like to visit in to the section "My Plan", it will automatically rearrange the places and tell you the most efficient order to go around them, so do try it out!

Enjoy Kohan and Surrounding Nature! Kohan Area Trekking Course

Historical Course Encircling Konan Lake

Enjoy Hanging Around Inawashirocho Area. Greedy Course

Historical Boshin Scenic Course

Inawashiro Kosei Lake Fulfilling and Relaxing Course

Why not take a walk in the heart of the never changing nature of Konan Lake. A course for families, friends and couples. Make sure you wear suitable shoes: it's a long course!

In addition to the water sports you can enjoy, there are countless spots and great points waiting for you to enjoy. This course takes you to historical buildings and places with old tales about Konan Lake.

Inawashirocho area is great, easy to access and has many magic scenic spot to enjoy. You have to try this greedy course! You will enjoy it!

Aizu is dotted with areas that were the theater of the tumultuous late Tokugawa Shogunate Period. Visit this area associated with battles fought by the Aizu Lord, Matsudaira Katamori,and the soldiers who battled the Anti-shogunate faction.

This part of Aizuwakamatsu, lying on the west bank of Inawashiro Lake is famous for its abundant nature and the charm it has to offer. Visiting this area with its breathtaking beauty and photo taking spots is a must!